Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Well, here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year. But before you take a look, there’s something you should know.
If a move is on your radar for 2026, here’s the most important thing you need to understand upfront: there isn’t one housing market this year – there are many.
Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas are tilting in favor of sellers, while others are opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on where you are. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, puts it this way:
“Looking ahead to 2026, regional differences will remain pronounced, with demand favoring areas that offer both economic opportunity and relative affordability.”
To show just how divided the landscape is, here’s a look at where sellers are expected to have the upper hand, and where first-time buyers may finally find their opening this year.
Zillow identified the following metros as some of the strongest seller markets for 2026, based on buyer demand, pricing momentum, and how quickly homes are expected to sell:
In markets like these, buyers are going to be competing for limited inventory, which gives sellers more leverage.
Homeowners in seller’s markets this year can expect:
Stronger buyer interest
Shorter time on market
Better odds of selling close to (or above) asking price
That doesn’t mean every listing is guaranteed success. But it does mean sellers who prepare well and lean on an agent’s expertise should be very happy with their results in 2026.
On the flip side, here’s a look at where buyers have the power – in particular, first-time buyers, since they’ve had the hardest time breaking into the market lately. Realtor.com highlights the top metros where first-time buyers are expected to have better opportunities in 2026:
These markets stand out for a mix of:
More affordable home prices
Better housing availability
Strong local amenities and economic health
For first-time buyers, that combination matters. It’s what could finally turn “someday” into “this could actually work.” In buyer’s markets, they should expect:
Less intense competition
More room to negotiate
A clearer path to getting an offer accepted
What Matters More Than Any Top 10 List
Not seeing your city on the list? Don’t stress. This is just a national snapshot, not a judgment on your local market. The goal here is just to show you how different the market really is depending on where you are.
And remember, you can buy or sell no matter how your local market leans. You just need an agent’s help to figure out the right strategy to get it done. For example:
A seller in a more buyer-friendly metro may need to be aggressive on their price and prep.
A buyer in a seller-leaning area may still need to come prepared with their best offer.
To find out where your market falls and what you should expect, you’ll want the help of a local expert.
The housing market in 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a year where local conditions matter more than ever.
Whether your market leans more buyer-friendly or seller-friendly, the right strategy can put you in a strong position. And that’s where a local expert comes in. Connect with a trusted real estate agent today.
